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The novel phytosterol product, cholesterol-lowering fat-free suppl, can be taken as soft chews or as an ingredient in the food or beverage products to promote cardiovascular health
About
Phytosterols are naturally occurring water-insoluble molecules commercially isolated from vegetable and tree oils. Natural phytosterols include both non-ester (chemically unmodified) sterols and stanols such as beta-sitosterol, beta-sitostanol, campesterol, campestanol and other species. In spite of their limited bioavailability, these substances have been shown to modestly lower plasma LDL cholesterol levels following ingestion by inhibiting the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the small intestine. Phytosterols are normally purified from edible oils as hydrophobic crystals with poor dispersibility in foods and beverages. As a result, obtaining any appreciable health benefit from their incorporation into beverages and processed foods typically requires either redissolving the phytosterols in edible oils or combining them with substantial amounts of emulsifiers for dispersal. On a molecular scale, the substantial size of crystalline phytosterol particles limits their effectiveness at binding cholesterol in the GI tract and decreases their ability to maintain stable suspensions in beverages. Our technology available for licensing provides a novel binary molecular complex produced by mixing heating natural (non-esterified) phytosterols with glycerine, a natural and edible liquid. This process produces highly dispersible micron-sized particles having a new and unique liquid-crystalline structure. The glycerine does not act as an emulsifier or solvent but rather as a spacer between phytosterol molecules that blocks undesirable crystallization. The novel liquid-crystalline complex is more readily water-dispersible and more easily incorporated into beverages, foods and dietary supplements without the need for adding caloric fats or aggressive dispersing agents.
Key Benefits
• A fat-free complex of natural (non-esterified) phytosterols and natural glycerine • More cost-effective and shelf-stable ingredients for dietary supplements and processed foods (i.e. avoiding the use of rancidity-prone fatty acid ester formulations or fine phytosterol powders) • Formulation versatility for delivering phytosterols into diverse consumer products including soft chew supplements, beverages, solid foods, soups, and condiments • Regular consumption reduces the risk of developing heart disease by lowering plasma LDL cholesterol levels
Applications
Edible liquid-crystalline phytosterol complex for use in dietary supplements, beverages, and processed foods containing glycerine and a phytosterol and/or phytostanol. Potential commercial uses in processed foods include health and wellness beverages (smoothies, shakes, nutraceuticals), dairy products (milks, yogurt, cheese, sour cream), and condiments (salad dressings, mayonnaises, sauces, catsup, mustard, relishes, soups, pasta sauces, pizza sauces, and dessert sauces).